I shared how I was back in PJ recently to visit my ailing Mama. Passing by first church, I remembered how since the age of 13, Sunday church-going became a part of my life. One main focus when we gather is singing together. Way before karaoke became a catch word, the church has always gathered to sing. Why?
1. Participation
I will praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works. Psalm 9:1
When we sing, our whole being is involved. Mind, heart, soul and body. When you read a book or document, there is a sense of detachment. When we sing, we find ourselves interacting with the ideas and emotions which these songs (or poems) carries.
This is also why we prefer to sing songs which we can connect with. In a multi-age congregation like ours, it is not easy to use songs which everyone can connect with. It is about familiarity, less so about song genre. Imagine fans of Taylor Swift who have been singing her songs for years. Now suddenly they can sing it together with thousands of other fans. This is why many pay top dollars for the experience.
Connection is also linked to our the state we are in when we enter the church. If we had a troubling or depressing week, we may find it harder to connect with songs which are victorious.
2. Celebration
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! Psalm 95:2
Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Psalm 100:2
To express joy and celebrate communally is another reason why we sing together.
Joy and celebration revitalise and renews our being, especially when we have been hard-pressed during the week. One practical expression of this is the singing of fast songs with clapping of hands or other movements. Our eyes are not close and we are able to look at each other. This form of communal celebration do uplift our spirits and is emotionally healing. In some communities, it seem life the more they suffer, the more joyous is their singing! Communal celebrations are a needed healing oases and needed pitstops in life.
3. Habitation
Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. Psalm 22:3
The KJV version uses the term “inhabits.” Our "omni-present" God is always with us. However, worship helps us to focus and give our full attention to the presence of God. As we worship, the Lord sometimes moves in a tangible way. We call it the “felt” presence of God. In Acts 13:2, while the disciples were worshipping and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
The Worship Service with the use of liturgy, songs, music and movements helps us to focus on the Lord and recognise His presence.
4. Proclamation
“My tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness” (Psalm 51:14),
“They shall sing of the ways of the Lord” (Psalm 138:5),
“My tongue will sing of your word” (Psalm 119:172),
When we sing, we proclaim spiritual truths. And as we do so, we embrace and internalise what we said. We also encourage others to do so. As Paul said in Colossians 3:16: “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
So here in a nutshell are some reasons why we sing together every Sunday.
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